I started watching Poirot on Britbox a couple of weeks ago and there was an episode where he made this really fancy Belgian dinner and Japp was like, “uh, can I just get some meat?”
Poirot, naturally, was a mix of insulted/disgusted.
Nothing better than a nice winter evening with a cup of hot chocolate , watching Poirot , admiring the art deco buildings, vintage cars and steam trains - a needed dose of zen, Mon Ami
I like how whereas Sherlock Holmes is always paternalistically insistent that Watson brings something to the table in their partnership, Poirot is just "zis is ma good friend ze Captain 'Astings, he is, how do you say, /imbécile/"
We had a staff member that had a very poor memory, and it was great because customers could tell her the same story and it delighted her every time. It was an asset.
As someone who hates Hastings in the books, I think that the only person who captured how pathetic Hastings is is the guy who played him in the Ustinov TV movies
Excellent work
I enjoy Hastings exclamations because it's 99% of his emotional palette. Anything that happens in life, he's got some version of "I say" that fits the bill.
Hastings is very much under appreciated. I don't think he is "an idiot" unless AC is also calling the reader that too. Hastings is ourselves, following Poirot, listening to him and being happy just to be around great stories.
Also, he gets a lot of little assignments where he has to go find out information or verify information for Poirot and he does a great job at that. He’s just not good at the deduction and putting things together parts.
My brother's best friend was like that. Completely loyal and worshipped my brother but with less intelligence than God gave a mule. I once asked my brother why they were friends, he replied "He makes me look great by comparison." (My brother is a HUGE narcissist dick)
Oh this has got to be the Acorn series with David Suchet as Poirot. They’re amazing!! Brings the books to life so vividly. I have the first 12 dvds with 4 eps each plus 2 movies, and they’ve been a great source of comfort since before the dystopian nightmare really got going. 🥰
Hastings wears his heart on his sleeve. He's like my Dog. Maybe not the brightest, but the sweetest and most loyal friend. Poirot would be lost without him.
Every literary genius needed a dumber sidekick. Gotta let the audience in on the smart. It's less awkward than narrating thoughts, less creepy than constantly talking to themselves.
After the election I got Brit Box and watched every season of Poirot and Miss Marple just to cope. It helped tremendously. Don't forget about Miss Lemon. I chose to believe she is a secret lesbian in every episode.
Poirot praises Hastings as a keen observer and relies on him to be his eyes and ears when he can't observe directly himself. No idiot can be that useful.
It is very cute. I saw Steve Martin play banjo several summers ago and it was like being in the backyard of an old friend while he plays music. He made everyone feel right at home!
Being the complete idiot that is always astounded is a sweet gig providing that you know it's you. All Lestrade has to do is annoy Holmes into doing HIS work and he does it.
“Purposefully hangs around with a complete idiot who is astounded by everything he does” perfectly describes the first born to parent dynamic. To be clear, the parent is the idiot IYKYK
Yet ... Fraser is honorable, loyal, brave and has muscle (not that this muscle is called upon often though). Of course I've only watched Suchet Poirots, not read the novels, so what do I know?
Hugh Frasier is so good at playing Hastings as a perfect, beautiful airhead. He’s dumb as rocks but he’s also completely oblivious to that fact. He’s just there to cheerlead Poirot’s every move and swoon over young women and that’s all he needs to do in life. Not invest in South America.
That's why Sherlock dragged Watson everywhere..
As a straight man, AND as the guy to seem astonished every time Sherlock got his zipper up without catching his wiener in it.
I've wondered if Inspector Morse was trying to evoke a similar relationship as the one between Poirot & Hastings (I haven't read the books). But while Morse is frequently insulting to Lewis, Lewis often seems to be the one actually solving the case or making a crucial discovery.
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Poirot, naturally, was a mix of insulted/disgusted.
Either I would get annoyed by the idiot and quit or I would assimilate and turn the episode into two idiots not solving mysteries.
Ps. The last two seasons (sans Hastings, alas) absolutely bring top notch acting and writing to an already great series.
*he woukd be over dressed for Tucson though.
Excellent work
I enjoy Hastings exclamations because it's 99% of his emotional palette. Anything that happens in life, he's got some version of "I say" that fits the bill.
Every literary hero needs an exposition fairy...
(one of us)
Then keep it a secret.
#ChristieRules
#TheBookIsBetter
https://sleeve.is
https://sleeve.is
Hastings just likes hanging out with his really keen chum.
As a straight man, AND as the guy to seem astonished every time Sherlock got his zipper up without catching his wiener in it.